Why Ocean Processes Matter for Ice Shelf Stability: The Ross Ice Shelf Case
| When |
Sep 03, 2026
from 11:00 to 12:00 |
|---|---|
| Where | Salle des thèses |
| Contact Name | Louis Couston |
| Attendees |
Yingpu Xiahou |
| Add event to calendar |
vCal
iCal
|
Abstract:
Ocean-driven melting beneath Antarctic ice shelves plays a key role in ice sheet stability and sea level rise, yet the controlling processes remain poorly understood. Here, we present multi-year observations from a mooring in the central Ross Ice Shelf cavity.
Our results show that ocean variability spans a wide range of timescales. Interannual changes in basal melting are linked to variability in sea-ice production and polynya activity, highlighting strong atmosphere–ocean–ice coupling. At shorter timescales, we identify baroclinic eddies that drive vertical transport of High Salinity Shelf Water, enhancing mixing within the cavity. In addition, tides strongly modulate boundary layer structure and influence melt processes.
Together, these observations demonstrate that melting beneath the Ross Ice Shelf is governed by interacting processes across scales, from large-scale circulation to small-scale mixing. Understanding these dynamics is essential for improving predictions of ice shelf stability in a changing climate.
Speaker Bio:
Yingpu Xiahou finished her PhD study in Physics at University of Auckland, majoring in ocean processes beneath Antarctic ice shelves. Her research focuses on ocean circulation and variability within the Ross Ice Shelf cavity using multi-year in situ observations.
Her work investigates mixing, eddy dynamics, and heat transport beneath ice shelves, with the aim of improving understanding of ice–ocean interactions and their role in sea level rise. She is the recipient of the 2026 SCAR INSTANT Fellowship and has recently been elected as a council member of APECS Oceania. Her work has been published in Journal of Geophysical Research: Oceans.